Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Simple Critical-sized Femoral Defect Model in Mice
09:41

A Simple Critical-sized Femoral Defect Model in Mice

Published on: March 15, 2015

Bone formation is impaired in a model of type 1 diabetes

Kathryn M Thrailkill1, Lichu Liu, Elizabeth C Wahl

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA. thrailkillkathrynm@uams.edu

Diabetes
|September 28, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Type 1 diabetes impairs new bone formation during distraction osteogenesis (DO) and reduces bone quality. Insulin treatment preserved bone formation and quality in diabetic mice.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Endocrinology
  • Diabetology

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects bone metabolism.
  • Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a surgical technique for bone lengthening.
  • The impact of T1D on DO is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of T1D on de novo bone formation during tibial DO.
  • To assess the impact of T1D on intact trabecular and cortical bone.
  • To determine if insulin treatment can mitigate these effects.

Main Methods:

  • Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and age-matched nondiabetic NOD mice were used.
  • Diabetic mice underwent a 14-day tibial DO procedure with insulin, vehicle, or no treatment.
  • Bone formation was analyzed using radiography, histology, and microcomputed tomography (microCT).
  • Contralateral tibiae were analyzed using microCT and mechanical testing.
  • Serum markers of bone turnover were measured.

Main Results:

  • Diabetic mice showed reduced new bone formation in the DO gap (histology & radiography) compared to nondiabetic mice.
  • Insulin treatment preserved new bone formation and normalized osteocalcin levels in diabetic mice.
  • MicroCT and mechanical testing revealed reduced trabecular and cortical bone quality in diabetic mice.
  • Insulin treatment prevented the decline in bone quality in diabetic mice.

Conclusions:

  • Type 1 diabetes significantly impairs de novo bone formation during distraction osteogenesis.
  • Type 1 diabetes negatively affects both trabecular and cortical bone quality.
  • Systemic insulin administration can preserve bone formation and quality in the context of type 1 diabetes and DO.

More Related Videos

A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes05:18

A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes

Published on: February 17, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...